The Well-Adjusted Child—a Review
Book: The Well-Adjusted Child: The Social Benefits of Homeschooling
Author: Rachel Gathercole
Publisher: Mapletree Publishing
Rachel Gathercole’s newest book explores the never-disappearing question of “What about socialization?” She counters each aspect of the question, from coping with bullies to experiencing diversity, with thoughtful, intelligent answers that parents can use in responding to critics.
She points out that she is not saying homeschooled children will turn out just like public school children (and sometimes this is good.) Nor does she say they will never play badly with another child. She simply points out the advantages of a homeschooled socialization.
Gathercole has interviewed many parents and homeschooled children for this book, and their experiences are included, allowing parents to find others whose situations are similar to their own. In addition, the sociological research into homeschooled and traditionally schooled socialization has been referenced, for those who like their proof scientific rather than anecdotal.
The Well-Adjusted Child excels in helping homeschooling parents learn how to discuss the issue of socialization with others. Logical explanations that are easy to remember and to deliver help us answer the questions in a calm, rational way (as opposed to the somewhat sassy answers I gave in my first homeschooling book.)
The title makes it clear this is not an unbiased book, so it is less effective as a tool for making a completely informed decision about how homeschooling will affect socialization. The author promises to show the benefits, and this it does exceptionally well. She makes a highly rational argument for the social benefits of homeschooling. It is the first book on this subject I’ve encountered, and goes far beyond the myriad of articles currently available on the subject.
The range of subjects is exceptional. For instance, the author discusses racism in the schools and how homeschooling allows minority children to avoid facing their first experiences without the guidance of a parent, and how homeschooling allows children to be exposed to people outside their own neighborhoods and cultures. Gathercole talks about homeschooling as a means of helping a child feel connected to his community and society and to gain a powerful sense of self.
If you’re trying to find answers for those well-meaning people who worry about your child’s socialization, this is the perfect resource.